Abstract:

The purpose of this research was to evaluate a web-based training program for mentors
of distance graduate students enrolled in a distance Master of Science Dietetic
Management Program. The online training program was designed to consist of four
modules focusing on mentoring skills, communication, research methods and university
mandated guidelines for graduate students. Six mentors with advanced degrees,
representing three regions of the country participated in this case study. Data collection
was accomplished from answers, received by e-mail, to consistent questions identified
in each module, a post-training program semi-structured telephone interview and a
scenario, pairing mentors to practice mentoring skills in a realistic setting, received by
email. Data were analyzed qualitatively, using QSR. NUD*IST as a tool to facilitate data
organization. Emergent themes from the data included issues relating to the level of
experience of the participants, technological issues, and outcomes and benefits of the
training program to the mentors. The module perceived as most informative focused on
research methods. The participants agreed the web-based training program was a viable method to train a mentor living in close proximity to a distance graduate student to
assist the student with the research project required for the degree.